This measure would extend a property tax to keep paying for water and conservation projects in the St. Vrain and Left Hand creeks watershed.
How much will taxes go up?
They won’t; residents of the district are already paying this property tax. It was approved by 68% of voters in 2020.
Property taxes would go down if this measure doesn’t pass. According to Sean Cronin, executive director of the conservancy district, the tax is $1.12 per $150,000 of home value each month, or $44.64 per year for a home worth $500,000.
What is the St. Vrain and Left Hand Water Conservancy District?
A nonprofit government entity, formed in 1971, in Longmont and the surrounding land area that drains into both the St. Vrain and Left Hand Creeks.
The district can buy and develop water rights, develop and manage water projects (such as reservoirs, dams, water flow infrastructure, etc.) related to water conservation, distribution, water quality protection, flood control and fire mitigation.
In 2022, they started a cloud seeding pilot project on the Front Range and began distributing funds for forest and stream restoration projects, piping and ditch repair, monitoring and more. One of the district’s proposed projects is a dam west of Lyons.
Its board is appointed to four-year terms by judges from Boulder, Weld and Larimer counties.
How much money will this tax raise?
In 2025, the tax is projected to generate $4,676,711, according to Cronin.
What will it be used for?
The money will implement the district’s Water Action Plan, which has five areas of focus:
- Protect water quality and drinking water sources
- Safeguard and conserve water supplies
- Grow local food
- Store water for dry years
- Maintain healthy river and creeks
Learn more: svlh.gov/our-water-plan
State and federal grants are necessary to fully implement the water plan, Cronin wrote in response to emailed questions. In 2021, the district used $285,000 in local revenue to procure $6.3 million in funding, according to an annual report.
Other things to consider:
- This tax expires in 2030. If it doesn’t pass this year, officials will have additional opportunities to pass an extension.